Aug. 1 () –
The UK courts have decided to reveal the name of the teenager responsible for the murder of three girls earlier this week in Southport, in the west of the country, arguing that although the young man is still a minor, it is an “exceptional” measure to put an end to false information and hoaxes published on the Internet about his alleged migrant origin.
British authorities had already reported this week that the perpetrator of the multiple stabbings – which so far left three minors dead and eight others injured – was a 17-year-old teenager of Welsh origin. However, false information has been spread on social media suggesting that he was an alleged asylum seeker, which has led to violent protests both in Southport and in the British capital, London.
Judge Andrew Menary acknowledged that the decision to reveal Axel Rudakubana’s identity was “exceptional given his age”, although he pointed out that the young man will turn 18 in just a week. “Continuing to prevent full coverage has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation,” he added, according to the news channel Sky News.
Rudakubana appeared before District Judge Jammes Hatton on Thursday for a brief hearing, but was denied bail for the time being. The matter will be decided in the Crown Court, which specialises in serious criminal cases. The main defendant in the Southport mass stabbing will have a further hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 25 October.
This evening, British authorities confirmed that the suspect has been charged with three counts of murder and ten of attempted murder, as eight other minors and two adults were injured. He is also accused of possessing a sharp object.
The attack took place at the Hart Space community centre, where the Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop was being held for children between the ages of seven and eleven. In fact, the American artist published a statement on Tuesday in which she expressed her condolences for what happened.
A group of fans of the American singer has launched an initiative to raise funds to help with the costs of the victims’ funerals and to support their families. The initiative has already raised more than 332,000 pounds (more than 390,000 euros).
Riots in Southport and London
The incident – and the dissemination of false information about it on social media – led to violent protests, which took place especially at night, not only in Southport, but also in London and other British cities. In the city where the crime took place, a mosque was even set on fire.
The demonstration in London took place in front of Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister, where police officers arrested more than a hundred violent protesters tonight. “The scenes of disorder and violence yesterday are completely unacceptable,” said London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“There is no room for criminality on our streets and I fully support the Metropolitan Police taking action against those who seek to inflict violence, cause disorder and spread division in our city,” Khan said on his official Twitter account.
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